Be prepared

In many emergency situations, you don’t need special knowledge beyond
standard first-aid and CPR skills to care for people aged 65 and older. Still, it’s
important to know that older adults are more vulnerable to accidents and
injuries, which may require immediate first aid assistance. Understanding some
of the common first aid medical situations that older adults face can help you
prepare for possible emergencies.

If someone has fallen and they
don’t seem badly hurt, help them find a comfortable position. Treat minor bumps
and bruises by elevating the injured area and applying an ice pack for about 10
minutes. If you notice signs of serious bleeding, bruising, or swelling, help
them get emergency medical care.

If you suspect someone has
fallen and seriously hurt their head, neck, back, hips, or thighs, ask them not
to move and call 911 or local emergency services. Reassure them and keep them
warm until help arrives. If they stop breathing, perform CPR.

Cuts and scrapes

Your skin becomes more fragile with age. This raises the risk of cuts and
scrapes in older adults. In some cases, these injuries become infected. While
older age itself doesn’t cause infections, many older adults have chronic
health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. These conditions can
lower their immune system’s defenses against infections.

Minor cuts and scrapes

Remove obvious dirt and debris from the wound to treat Clean the wound with
tap water if available. If it’s bleeding, place a clean bandage or cloth on top
of it. Press on it firmly, or apply pressure by binding the area in tape. Raise
the injured area above the person’s heart level. If blood seeps through the
first layer of bandage or cloth, don’t remove it. Simply add a second layer on
top.

Severe cuts or heavy bleeding

If the person has a severe cut or heavy bleeding that won’t stop, help them
get emergency medical care. If they only have a minor cut or scrape, wait for
the bleeding to stop and then wash the wound using soap and clean water.
Encourage the person to keep the wound clean, watch for signs of infection such
as:

redness

swelling

increased pain

drainage from the wound

Make an appointment with their doctor if it becomes infected. Applying an
antibiotic cream or ointment can help promote healing.

Heat- and cold-related illness

As you age, you’re more likely to develop chronic medical conditions that
impair your body’s temperature regulation. Older adults may also take
prescription medications that change their temperature balance. That’s why it’s
particularly important for older adults to use sunscreen and wear appropriate
protective clothing when outdoors. They should dress in layers that protect
them from warm or cold weather. Staying hydrated is also very important to help
to protect them against heat-related illnesses.

Heatstroke

The symptoms of heatstroke include:

a body temperature above 104°F (40°C)

increased breathing rate

nausea

vomiting

a headache

If you suspect someone is having a heatstroke, contact 911 or local
emergency services. Then, move them out of the heat and cool them off. For
example, help them get into a cool shower, sponge them with cool water, have
them drink ice water or cover their body in cool damp sheets or towels. If they
stop breathing, start CPR.

Hypothermia

The symptoms of mild hypothermia include:

shivering

hunger

dizziness

slight confusion

increased heart rate

increased breathing rate

The symptoms of moderate to severe hypothermia include:

shivering

drowsiness

confusion

a weak pulse

slow breathing

If you think someone has hypothermia, call 911
or local emergency services. Then, help them warm up. For example, bring them
indoors out of cold weather, help them remove wet clothes, and cover them with
warm dry blankets. Reheat them gradually and focus on warming their chest and
abdomen before their limbs. If they stop breathing, start CPR.

Cardiovascular problems

According to the American
Stroke Association, the symptoms of a stroke include drooping of the face,
weakness of the arms, and difficulty speaking

The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and
discomfort in your upper body.

If you think someone is having a heart attack or a
stroke, call 911 or emergency services. Reassure them, and keep them warm until
help arrives. If they stop breathing, perform CPR.

First aid and CPR training

Accidents can happen any time. Older adults face a
particularly high risk of certain injuries and illnesses, such as falls and
heart attacks. Consider taking a basic first aid and CPR training course to prepare
for possible emergencies. Contact the American Red Cross or a
local first-aid organization to learn about training opportunities in your area.
You never know when someone might need to perform first aid. For older adults,
immediate help can sometimes make a lifesaving difference.